A 2018 AARP survey revealed that 76% of seniors want to remain at home at long as possible. However, in order for that to happen successfully, its important that they are supported as their physical and cognitive needs change. Here are 5 ways that we can help Seniors age in place at home:
- Emergency alert pendant: Having an emergency pendant is an excellent tool for seniors who live alone. It can be worn as a necklace or bracelet and if a fall or emergency occurs, they can hit a button to call 911 and send for help. A pendant gives both Seniors and their Caregivers piece of mind, especially since falls are a top reason of hospitalizations for those over 65.
- Home Health & Caregiver services: In-home care is a great way to support an aging loved one as they age in place. Did you know that Home Health services such as physical or occupational therapy as well as other nursing services can be covered by Medicare and will come to the home? All you need is a doctor’s order. To supplement more care, private duty Caregiver services can come to the home and provide support with activities of daily life, errands and light house work.
- Make changes/modifications to the home: Making simple modifications to a home can significantly extend a Senior’s ability to stay in their home. An Occupational Therapist can come and do an assessment and make suggestions. Easy changes like eliminating rugs (fall hazard), adding grab bars in the bathroom and a raised toilet seat all make a huge impact!
- Meal delivery service: Shopping and preparing meals is usually one of the first areas that are impacted when a Senior has physical or cognitive decline. Weight loss and dehydration lead to so many other major problems and can be avoided by adding a consistent meal delivery service. Check to see if your area has a Meals on Wheels. Also, many local restaurants and personal chefs will offer weekly meal drop off services that can just be warmed up in the oven or microwave.
- Care Manager: A Care Manager is someone with a clinical background that can be an advocate and personal facilitator for Seniors. Care Managers are often referred to as “boots on the ground” for non-local family members to accompany loved ones at doctor appointments, check up on medications and make care recommendations as changes occur. Typically Care Managers will charge hourly and only as needed, so they are a great resource to have on hand!
Even though aging in place at home is typically Plan A, it’s important that you’re discussing Plan B….and even Plan C and D. Very rarely does the aging process play out as expected and it’s critical that Caregivers are proactive about their options in case a crisis occurs.
Reach out to us if you have questions about specific services to help age in place or are looking for senior care and resource options. You can book a free discovery call on our website www.sunwaysseniorliving.com or call us at 941)867-0809.
